PBS
Encyclopedia of Composers & Songwriters
A great resource for learning about some of America's greatest composers and songwriters. From Irving Berlin to George Gershwin, among other, this resource provides biographies, pictures and some video.
Other
Stephen Collins Foster: American Dreams
This site provides a wealth of information about the American songwriter, Stephen Foster. This link leads you to the biographical information which is divided into five sections: beginnings, his life's work, the legend, the problems, and...
University of Pittsburgh
Center for American Music Stephen Foster's Career
This University of Pittsburgh site provides a wealth of information about American songwriter Stephen Foster. This link discusses his professional career with various other links within the text about minstrel shows, etc. Return to the...
PBS
Pbs American Masters: John Cage
Read about this unusual but creative modern classical composer. Highlighting his major works, this short biography explores his philosophy of music.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: How Tweet It Is: Bird Songs in Classical Music
Do you enjoy singing contests like American Idol? Well, male songbirds have their own version of a singing competition that has been going on for thousands of years, and classical musical composers have been taking notes. In this music...
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Smithsonian Jazz: Duke's Music Class
Learn about jazz from the master, Duke Ellington. Three activities explore his role as jazz composer, orchestra leader, and pianist.
PBS
Pbs: Broadway: The American Musical: Operetta
As part of a larger look at the American musical, this brief look at the popularity of the operetta in the last part of the 19th century discusses why it was so popular with the middle class. Included is a short video that discusses...
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Composer Aaron Copland
Composer Aaron Copland came from humble beginnings. He wrote music that captured the American spirit. This site provides a biography of Copland.
Other
Art of the States
Listen to complete high quality music files from many of America's composers and performers. You can search by composer, performer, genre, instrumentation or time period.
NPR: National Public Radio
Npr: A Centennial Tribute to Richard Rodgers
This site has a concise summary of the contributions of composer Richard Rodgers to American music and theater. Centennial tribute provides a brief biography and extensive exploration of the musical influences which shaped Rodgers career.
Library of Congress
Loc: Performing Arts Encyclopedia: Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Did you know that the song "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" is over one hundred years old? Find out why this song has enjoyed lasting popularity. Includes an image of the artwork for the sheet music of this song.
Smithsonian Institution
National Museum of American History: Documents Gallery: Ellington and Strayhorn
Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, two of the greatest jazz composers, collaborated on hundreds of works. As you explore this exhibition, you will have an opportunity to view original music scores, listen to audio clips, and view videos...
Other
Afrocentric Voices in Classical Music
Visit this website for short biographies of some of the African American singers and composers who have contributed to the world of Classical music.
University of California
Ucla: Popular American Music
See images and find out about the original sheet music from the early 1900's. Famous songs such as "Dapper Dan", "Down the River", and more. You can search for music by title or author.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland (1900-1990 CE) was one of the first composers to put jazzy music into symphonic music, Copland was also one of the greatest American composers. Read more about him and his work. Use RealAudio or Windows Media Player to...
PBS
Classics for Kids: William Grant Still
A short biography of William Grant Still (1895-1978 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Leonard Bernstein
A short biography of Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
PBS
Classics for Kids: John Phillip Sousa
A short biography of John Phillip Sousa (1854-1932 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
BBC
Bb Ci Audio Interviews: Aaron Copland
The BBC provides several audio clips from interviews with the noted American composer, Aaron Copland (1900-1990 CE). Additional content includes a brief biography, list of key works, and links to other sites within the BBC network...
PBS
Pbs: Math With Jake: Music Transposition
Composer and ukulele artist Jake Shimabukuro describes the concept of transposing notes in music and how ratios are applied in this video from Center for Asian American Media. Shimabukuro explains why it is necessary to transpose music...
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Scott Joplin, Composer
A short biography of the American ragtime pianist, Scott Joplin.
PBS
Classics for Kids: Aaron Copland "Hoe Down"
Several radio shows with music clips regarding "Rodeo" and other works by Copland. Click to a short biography.
Other
Africlassical: Black History and Classical Music
Africlassical profiles musicians and composers of African descent since the time of Mozart.